Disability: a new accessibility charter for state communication

Presented on October 6, 2022, during the last interdepartmental committee on disability, the new accessibility charter for government communication completes and clarifies the basis of references and rules common to all departments and public services. It is a continuation of the standards and good practices defined in March 2021, with the objective of making the communication of each ministry and administration accessible to all, directly or through a specific adaptation.

Members of the government should ensure that their speeches, press conferences and interviews are accessible, including the interpretation of French sign language for the hearing impaired.

All citizens with disabilities, as well as those who do not speak French, must have full, real-time access to messages addressed to the Nation, whether they be warning instructions, recommendations or information.

Content Adaptation

The content disseminated by the institutions and public administrations on all their media, and in particular on their websites, must be adapted according to their original form: sign language, subtitling, oral description of a document, an image, a diagram, or even translation into “Easy to read and understand” (Falc), in order to be accessible to the different types of disability.

The charter defines a writing font ensuring good legibility (typography Marianne specifically designed, limited use of italics...). Color choices should be limited and favor high contrasts between background and text. PDF documents must be accessible and in a version that can be used by screen readers (oral transcription) or Braille range, etc.

The texts must be well-structured, clear and simple, neutral and addressed to all.

This new charter is aimed at all public officials responsible for informing citizens about the actions of the state and gives specific examples of the graphic, iconographic, writing and organization of information principles.

Accessibility of public communication also includes telephone reception.

The aim of the Charter is also to serve as a reference point for all public services and local authorities.